The books this week have been absolutely amazing. Eye strain prevented me from reading as much as I wanted (I really need to start wearing my glasses when working on my cross-stitch), but damn were they good. I hope the next bunch is equally impressive.
FINISHED SINCE THE LAST UPDATE:
Ruth Ware does it again. Her latest novel is a classic Gothic novel that feels like it takes place in the early 1910s/1920s rather than the 1990s and 2010s during which it occurs. The story is a tad predictable, but this lessens none of the suspense or thrills of the story. If anything, I think this is her strongest novel to date with its atmosphere, Rebecca-esque characters, and general mystery. She is firmly in my must-read camp now.
I am in love with Jay Kristoff. His books slay me. They are SO well-written and so creative. His latest is a geek lover’s dream with all sorts of AI, robots, and everything mechanical. His post-apocalyptic world is frightening and yet eerily realistic. And his characters! Oh, his characters. I ADORE them. With this book, he has become one more must-buy author.
I finally finished Mohsin Hamid’s latest novel via audio. It took me longer than it would have had I read it, but I am glad I chose the audio version. I don’t think I would have finished it had I been reading it. I say that because I was rather unimpressed with his story of mysterious doors that allow people to travel across the world and the immigration crisis this causes. There is no doubt Mr. Hamid’s writing is gorgeous. Every sentence is a careful creation intended to maximize the impact of the sentiment he is trying to achieve, whether it is merely a description of a physical place or an emotion felt by the main characters. Still, once those main characters stepped through their first door, the story fell sideways for me, even though I know that was not his intention. We get so much about Nadia’s and Saeed’s home country, the violence tearing it apart, and the changes in life such violence has on the citizens. Comparatively, we get almost nothing about the refugee crisis even though this is a good two-thirds of the story. We get somewhat of an insider’s viewpoint with Nadia and Saeed, but they are only two people – educated, with money, no formal ties to anyone. What about the families? What about those without money? I just wanted more than what I received.
Jamie McGuire’s newest novel is so sweet and beautiful with a most welcome and surprising twist. This story about young love and loyalty has layers to it as it touches on emotional abuse, mental health, racism, bullying, and loss. While others might find Elliott’s and Catherine’s relationship to be unrealistic, I loved it. There is an innocence and purity to it that was a balm to my soul. It is the type of novel that requires time to just sit and reflect upon its beauty upon finishing.
DID NOT FINISH:
Nope.
CURRENT READ:
CURRENT LISTEN:
NEXT UP:
June Review Copies (finally):
So, what are you reading?
I really liked Exit West, although I did wish it would get more into the implications of its cool, SF-y premise. But I enjoyed the writing enough that I’d like to check out more books by that author.
It is now Tuesday, and I am finally reading a Martha Wells book that isn’t in the Murderbot series! It’s starting out kind of slow but I am determined to persist.
This is my second book by Mohsin Hamid. I can’t say that I am overly impressed. I can see you being a huge fan though.
Oh my, there are a lot of interesting looking covers in this collage! Can’t wait to hear what you think of them.
I will be getting through them all slowly, but I have high hopes they will all be good!
You are the first person I’ve seen give any kind of praise to All the Little Lights. I have been seeing so many negative reviews, which have turned me off from reading it. Just goes to show I need to stop reading reviews. I have the Kristoff book from the library and haven’t been in the mood for something in that genre. I really want to read it, though! I just got a notification that I have the new Roberts book waiting for me at the library! I thought I would be on the hold list forever. Really excited to start it!!
I can see those McGuire fans who have only read her Maddox brothers series not being happy with All the Little Lights. It is very tame and almost childish in comparison. However, I like that she is not afraid to try writing for different age groups.
I’m on the library hold list for Ruth Ware’s book… glad you liked it!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!
Glad that Ruth Ware’s book worked well for you. I liked it a lot as well. I still think my favorite of hers is the first, but this one is right up there. I read Sarah Pekkanen’s book very early – before the end of 2017. I liked it, but I honestly don’t remember much about it now. Have a good week and wear your glasses! Eye strain only gets worse as you move through life (my nice way of saying ‘get older’). Ha!
I have heard Sarah Pekkanen’s latest book is not one of her best. I have a hit-or-miss relationship with her books. I have truly only enjoyed one or two of them, but I keep trying because the one I loved I really, really loved.
Oh, I am wearing my glasses now for all computer work – not just while at work. And I started wearing them for my stitch work. It made a tremendous different the other night, so I know that is what is happening. I knew it was coming. After all, that is the reason for the glasses. My eye doctor said she could tell my eyes were struggling to adjust to far and near distances. I didn’t think they would get SO bad so quickly though. It literally happened within a week. Getting old is weird.